My Favorite Non-Review Books for June 2021

 I'm back with My Favorite Non-Review Books!

I'm late posting my June favorites since July is almost gone. Can you believe it?   

 

As a blogger sometimes writing reviews can feel like a chore so it seems I rarely write reviews for non-review books anymore. I feel bad about that, because it's not that I didn't enjoy them less than the books I review here, just that I don't have the time or energy to write a review for each and every book I read. I thought it would be nice to list my favorite non-review books each month to bring more attention to them.

 June 2021 Favorites:

I think I got this as a Kindle freebie and then borrowed the audio from the library. Kaine is a grump because he's hurting and Piper is a sweetie. Their no-strings arrangement turns into way more, and I loved it! I bought Riven Night in the Tin Gypsy series after reading because it features Kaine's brother and I want his story after reading this one!

Forever had a Zoom/Facebook virtual conversation about to talk about great Summer reads, and they recommended this one. Love romances where single parents fall in love! The kids, Jenna's 8 year old twins and Nate's 2 year old daughter were so cute.

I read this ten years ago and it's one of my all-time favorite novellas. Seeing the ten year anniversary come up for it made me wonder if I'd still like it as much as I did the first time, and I did! Forced proximity (Cadan and Makenna get stuck in an elevator together) and instant attraction make for a sizzling romance! 

Anna is overcome with grief after losing her fiancé so she decides to take the trip they meant to alone. Sailing by yourself is not for the faint of heart, and she ends up needing help and hires Keane, a professional sailor, and sexy Irishman!  He has his own baggage to deal with. Another forced proximity sort of romance, but with beautiful stops along the way. I loved this slow burn romance!

I've loved every one of Claudia Connor's Walker/McKinney romances! This is a big family marked by tragedy, each finding their own HEA. This time it's Luke Walker. He's a bit adrift after exiting the Army and is biding is time working at his sister's Equestrian Therapy Ranch. He meets Ana at his brother's wedding, immediately intrigued by her, and not realizing she's blind. The way he handles it after was so lovely.  It was a meet cute and they spent a magical night getting to know each other. Loved this romance so much! 

Quirky and fun! I laughed so many times while listening! Another Grump meets Sunshine romance, which is like catnip for me!

Well, this was my June list. How about you? Did you have any memorable non-review books in June?

Audio Review: False Witness by Karin Slaughter

 

False Witness by Karin Slaughter

Publication Date: July 20th 2021 by Blackstone Publishing

Pages: 448

Audio Book Length: 18 hrs 39 min

Narrator: Kathleen Early

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads | Libro.fm 

My Thoughts:

Leigh and her sister Callie seem like a lesson in opposites, Leigh is a successful defense attorney with a beautiful daughter and a sort of ex-husband, Walter, she still gets along with (I was rooting for them!). Callie is a junkie, and has been for years, doing anything to chase that next high, but they’ve been forever bonded by more than just blood.  While Leigh seems to have it all together, and Callie’s life has leveled out a bit, all could unravel when Leigh’s is forced into defending Andrew Tenant, the accused, in a brutal rape case. These sisters, while estranged would do anything for each other, but that’s put to the test when Leigh discovers just who Andrew is and what he knows about their past.  

I love Karin Slaughter’s stories; I’m enthralled and in awe of her talent every time I pick up one of her stories! False Witness was a pulse-pounding, suspenseful plot, and I didn’t want to stop listening! Even when I’d have to (since I need sleep to work!) I spent a good amount of time lying awake and thinking about Leigh, and Callie and how it would all turn out! Their story broke my heart in parts, but even with the intensity and grittiness of the story the love between these sisters and their people (Walter, Maddy, and Dr. Jerry) warmed my heart. There was even a bit of humor to offset some of the tension.  I wanted these two to kick some ass and conquer!  

Kathleen Early’s performance was fantastic! She narrates Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent series, and several of her standalone novels so I’m familiar and a big fan. Will Trent is one of my all-time favorite mystery/thriller series’ and it wouldn’t be the same without her narration!

5 Stars

Book Description:

AN ORDINARY LIFE

Leigh Coulton has worked hard to build what looks like a normal life. She has a good job as a defence attorney, a daughter doing well in school, and even her divorce is relatively civilised - her life is just as unremarkable as she'd always hoped it would be.

HIDES A DEVASTATING PAST

But Leigh's ordinary life masks a childhood which was far from average... a childhood tarnished by secrets, broken by betrayal, and finally torn apart by a devastating act of violence.

BUT NOW THE PAST IS CATCHING UP

Then a case lands on her desk - defending a wealthy man accused of rape. It's the highest profile case she's ever been given - a case which could transform her career, if she wins. But when she meets the accused, she realises that it's no coincidence that he's chosen her as his attorney. She knows him. And he knows her. More to the point, he knows what happened twenty years ago, and why Leigh has spent two decades running.

AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT

If she can't get him acquitted, she'll lose much more than the case. The only person who can help her is her younger, estranged sister Calli, the last person Leigh would ever want to ask for help. But suddenly she has no choice...

Review: The Heartbreaker of Echo Pass by Maisey Yates

 

The Heartbreaker of Echo Pass (Gold Valley #12) by Maisey Yates

Publication Date: June 29th 2021 by HQN

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Iris Daniels has long felt like she was second best. Not as vibrant as her sisters and mostly valued because of her usefulness to the family. Iris was the oldest sister when they lost their parents, and at fourteen she stepped in as sort of the mother while her older brother, Ryder assumed the role of guardian at the young age of eighteen. But who was there to comfort and mother Iris? Seeing all her siblings find love and happiness Iris is determined to take her life out of pause and do something just for herself. She knows she’s good at cooking and baking and has the perfect place in town to set up shop. Trouble is the rent the new owner is charging is prohibitive.

Iris finds out that the new owner is a hermit living up at a remote mountain cabin and decides to strike up a deal with him. She figures this guy is an old curmudgeon, but is shocked to find a much younger, grumpy man. His big, burly, bearded, but underneath that gruff appearance he’s the most handsome man she’s laid eyes on, and she wants!

Griffin bought his mountain property to get away from all the prying and pity and to wallow in his grief. Iris throws a wrench in works when she shows up with her cookies and determination. Theirs was a passionate romance, electricity sparking between them from that very first meeting!

I’ve long been a fan of Maisey Yates’ romances. The Heartbreaker of Echo Pass was heartfelt and emotional. Iris understands grief and so recognizes it clearly in Griffin, and my heart broke for everything they had endured.  They shared a bond and struck up a friendship even though he’s pretty grumpy at first. Hard not soften up when being plied with delicious food and treats!  I was hungry just reading!

I fell hard for Griffin, because once Iris showed up it was like he woke up from the five years he’d just been existing, and he was all in.  I could tell Iris was going to give some trouble, but luckily, she had a lot of good advice from her close-knit, loving family.

The Heartbreaker of Echo Pass is the twelfth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone in a pinch. However, you’ll miss some of Iris’ history and the sibling’s romances.

4 Stars

Book Description:

Can Gold Valley’s wallflower heal a damaged cowboy’s broken heart? Find out in this enthralling romance by New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates.

Shy Iris Daniels is on a mission to shake up her life. She’s sick of being underestimated, and she’s got a new business plan to prove it. The one thing she didn’t factor in is her new landlord, Griffin Chance. The gruff mountain man isn’t what she expected, but Iris recognizes the pain in his eyes. Yet the attraction he ignites is much more unfamiliar…and might be the perfect chance for Iris to embrace the adventure she yearns for.

Griffin Chance knows firsthand how senseless the cards dealt in life can be. He wouldn’t have isolated himself on a remote mountain ridge if he didn’t. Innocent Iris craves excitement, and he’s a man who thought he’d forgotten how to feel. But when their connection grows deeper than either of them anticipated, Griffin has to decide if he can put down the pain of his past and step into a love he never believed possible.

Review: Last Guard by Nalini Singh

 

Last Guard (Psy-Changeling Trinity #5) by Nalini Singh

Publication Date: July 20th 2021 by Berkley Books

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

The PsyNet is sick, and the Ruling Coalition are aware, but they’ve never really considered a crucial part of its foundation: The Anchors. These Anchors are a big part of what’s been keeping it stable, but they’re all stretched to capacity. Canto Mercant, an Anchor, realizes their error and seeks out another powerful Anchor, Payal Rao, to form a coalition with other Anchors to find a solution. Canto doesn’t realize Payal is the girl from his broken past. A girl he’s spent years searching for. They cared for each other in a dire situation, and the bond created from the experience is deep. Now meeting again as adults there is an undeniable magnetic pull between them, an instant attraction.

Loved all the bits with the bears! Canto was basically claimed as a member of those misbehaving, lovable bears. And the Mercants, so fiercely loyal!  Ena Mercant, the powerful matriarch, supposedly Silent, had a big savage heart ready to fight tooth and nail for anyone in their circle!

Last Guard grabbed and held my attention from the first page! I enjoyed the romance between Canto and Payal, but all the side conflicts: the Anchor issues with the PsyNet, the struggle to keep it from collapsing and Payal’s ruthless family and her constant need to be on guard kept me on the edge of my seat! I had to read on to see what would happen! Absolutely loved this installment, and while Canto and Payal’s story came to a satisfying conclusion, the survival of the PsyNet still remains in question, so I can’t wait for the next story!

5 Stars

Book Description:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to a world devastated by change in her award-winning Psy-Changeling Trinity series, where two people defined by their aloneness hold the fate of the Psy in their hands…

Termed merciless by some, and a robotic sociopath by others, Payal Rao is the perfect Psy: cardinal telekinetic, CEO of a major conglomerate, beautiful—and emotionless.

For Canto Mercant, family and loyalty are everything. A cardinal telepath deemed "imperfect" by his race due to a spinal injury, Canto cares for the opinions of very few—and ruthlessly protects those he claims as his own. Head of intel of the influential Mercant family, he prefers to remain a shadow in the Net, unknown and unseen. But Canto is also an Anchor, part of a secretive designation whose task it is to stabilize the PsyNet. Now that critical psychic network is dying, threatening to collapse and kill the entire Psy race with it.

To save those he loves, Canto needs the help of a woman bound to him by a dark past neither has been able to forget. A woman who is the most powerful Anchor of them all: Payal Rao. Neither is ready for the violent inferno about to ignite in the PsyNet…or the passionate madness that threatens to destroy them both.

Sunday Post #128

 

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week.

I flew up to my daughter's in Northern California on Thursday. My husband stayed home to work on our kitchen. It's a big mess, but I'm looking forward to the final result.  We've been having fun with the kids, going to a couple of parks and watching movies. I'll be flying home tomorrow. 

Read:

Click on cover for Goodreads link

Received/Purchased/Library Lend:

Instagram:

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Watched:

Both really good end-of-the-world scenarios. I guess they're coming out with a third Quiet Place and I can't wait!

How was your week?

Review: The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

 

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

Publication Date: July 13th 2021 by Berkley Books

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Are you a fan of those ‘80s horror/slasher films? I was a big fan even though they’d give me nightmares and make me put off going to bed! Michael Myers, Freddy, Chainsaw Massacre, Scream, I know, Scream is not the 80s, but you get the idea. Final Girl Support Group is about that one girl who, against all the odds, bloody and traumatized, survives and I was all in!

Lynnette survived a massacre twenty-two years ago, but not without scars, both emotional and physical. She lives a paranoid life and doesn’t really connect with others except for her weekly gathering of Final Girls. They meet, snipe, gripe and got downright nasty at times, but as they are connected like no other women can be, they’ve formed a bond. But that bond is about to be tested when one of them goes missing and it becomes evident, to Lynnette at least, that they’re all being hunted.

The Final Girl Support Group was kind of a batshit crazy mash-up of 80’s slasher/horror movies. It was campy and crazy! For Lynnette it's a race to find out who was behind all the new attacks!

Most real-life people don’t have super slick plans if someone came after them, I’d just be trying to survive if it were me. Lynnette does have plans, but real-life mostly doesn’t follow the rules and so she’s sort of flying by the seat of her pants. She did have some great plans, so I was a little disappointed on how some of it played out when push came to shove. Also, I felt the story lagged a bit in spots, went off the rails, but overall, I had fun with this campy horror story! I was in a bit of a book slump when I decided to throw out my reading schedule and pick up TFGSG and the change definitely perked my reading mood up!

3.5 Stars

Book Description:

A fast-paced, thrilling horror novel that follows a group of heroines to die for, from the brilliant New York Times bestselling author of The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires.

In horror movies, the final girl is the one who's left standing when the credits roll. The one who fought back, defeated the killer, and avenged her friends. The one who emerges bloodied but victorious. But after the sirens fade and the audience moves on, what happens to her?

Lynnette Tarkington is a real-life final girl who survived a massacre twenty-two years ago, and it has defined every day of her life since. And she's not alone. For more than a decade she's been meeting with five other actual final girls and their therapist in a support group for those who survived the unthinkable, putting their lives back together, piece by piece. That is until one of the women misses a meeting and Lynnette's worst fears are realized--someone knows about the group and is determined to take their lives apart again, piece by piece.

But the thing about these final girls is that they have each other now, and no matter how bad the odds, how dark the night, how sharp the knife, they will never, ever give up.

Review: A Brambleberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne

 

A Brambleberry Summer (The Women of Brambleberry House #5) by RaeAnne Thayne

Publication Date: June 29th 2021 by Harlequin Special Edition

Pages: 228

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Rosa Galvez is attracted to Wyatt Townsend, but with him being a police officer she feels her past will make it hard for things to work out. However, when Wyatt and his young son need an apartment while their fire damaged house is being repaired Rosa knows it will be next to impossible for Wyatt to get a place. Cannon Beach is in the middle of their busy tourist season, and Rosa feels she obligated to offer up one of the empty apartments she manages at Brambleberry House.

When Rosa’s past was revealed, I wasn’t sure why she thought it’d be a problem between her and Wyatt, as her actions were completely understandable. It wasn’t like she was a lawbreaker or anything either. It didn’t end up being a huge obstacle in the story. I appreciated the romance was low angst. Wyatt and Rosa were around each other a lot because of the forced proximity and ended up spending more time together making it hard to ignore the attraction they felt from the start. I enjoyed Rosa’s relationship with Logan, Wyatt’s cute seven-year-old son, as well.

Cannon Beach is one of my favorite places to visit in Oregon, with its gorgeous Pacific Coast beaches and forests that spill out onto the sand. The small town is cute with picturesque shops and restaurants, surrounded by greenery and planter boxes filled with flowers, and the author described it beautifully making it feel like another visit!

A Brambleberry Summer was a feel-good, easy going romance with a beautiful setting brought to life so vividly I could almost feel the ocean breeze!

4 Stars

Book Description:

A new season leads to a new beginning in New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne's latest heartwarming romance!

Will the secrets of her past…

Prevent her from having the future she’s always wanted?

Rosa Galvez’s attraction to Officer Wyatt Townsend is as powerful as the moon’s pull on the tides. But with her past, Rosa knows better than to act on her feelings. When Wyatt and his adorable son become Brambleberry House’s newest tenants, Rosa finds her resolve slipping. Her solo life slowly becomes a sun-filled family adventure—until dark secrets threaten to break like a summer storm.